Came across this informative post (shout out to OP) regarding the chemical spill and all the things that residents should demand to know: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ohio/s/yAjafkUbyM

Contact

U.S. EPA Contact: Josh Peters, On-Scene Coordinator
Email: [peters.joshua@epa.gov](mailto:peters.joshua@epa.gov)

Toledo-Lucas County Health Department
Phone: 419-213-4100
Chemical leak information hotline: 419-779-7089

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Main line: 614-644-3020
Emergency Response / spill hotline: 800-282-9378
Official contact directory: https://epa.ohio.gov/help-center/contact-list

Below is a template you can copy/paste and send to the EPA and other elected officials, or use as a guide if you call the hotlines. Apologies in advance for any formatting issues, I’m on mobile.
————————————————————————————

Dear Mr. Peters and Relevant Agency Representatives,

I am writing to request the release of detailed environmental monitoring data, technical analyses, and decision-making records related to the October 20, 2026, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) release at MC Tank Transport, 1266 Progress Avenue, Toledo, Ohio.

Public statements indicate that the EPA provided technical support for evacuation and shelter-in-place decisions, conducted air monitoring, and collected air samples. However, residents need access to the underlying data and analyses to independently understand the potential exposure, the basis for emergency decisions, and the adequacy of ongoing environmental assessments.

I am requesting the following information:

1. ⁠Complete GMA-Specific Air Monitoring and Sampling Data

Please provide all available raw and validated data for GMA-specific air monitoring and laboratory analyses, including:

- Sampling and monitoring locations, preferably with coordinates or sufficiently precise addresses.
- Date and time of each measurement, including sampling duration.
- Measured concentrations and units.
- Analytical methods, detection limits, reporting limits, and quantification limits.
- Laboratory results, including non-detects and estimated or qualified results.
- Quality assurance and quality control documentation, including relevant blank samples, calibration records, and data-validation reports.
- Any sampling results that remain pending, along with their expected completion dates.
Please distinguish measurements specific to GMA from general volatile organic compound (VOC) readings, particulate measurements, and other nonspecific air-monitoring results.

1. Air Dispersion Modeling and the Basis for Emergency Zones

Please provide the air dispersion modeling and related technical analyses used to inform the initial evacuation zone and the three-mile shelter-in-place zone, as well as subsequent changes to those zones.

Please include:
- The name and version of each model used.
- Model input files, assumptions, and output files.
- The chemical release rate, duration, and other source-term assumptions.
- Meteorological data, including wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric stability, and other relevant conditions.
- Any modeled plume maps, predicted concentrations, exposure estimates, and applicable health-protective benchmarks.
- The specific analyses or recommendations provided to Toledo Fire & Rescue and other decision-makers.
- Any subsequent model runs or revisions.

If no formal air dispersion model was used for a particular decision, please identify the methods and evidence that were used instead.

1. Data and Analysis Supporting the Modification or Lifting of Emergency Orders

Please provide the records documenting the basis for each decision to reduce, modify, or lift the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders.
Specifically, please identify the readings, sampling results, modeling outputs, risk assessments, and professional recommendations available at the time each decision was made.
Please clarify whether those decisions were based on GMA-specific measurements, general VOC readings, the cessation of the release, tank or facility conditions, modeled exposure estimates, or a combination of these factors.
Please also identify any locations or periods for which representative GMA-specific measurements were unavailable when the decisions were made.

1. Soil, Runoff, Stormwater, and Other Environmental Sampling

Because the incident involved a release from a tank and reports indicate that material reached the ground, please provide records concerning potential contamination beyond the air.

Please include:
- Soil, surface water, stormwater, drainage, and runoff sampling plans and results.
- Any testing for GMA and relevant reaction products or degradation products.
- Sampling locations, collection times, laboratory methods, and analytical detection limits.
- Records of any observed or documented liquid release onto the ground.
- Cleanup plans, waste characterization results, disposal records, and environmental remediation requirements.
- Any determination that additional soil, water, or other environmental testing is unnecessary, including the technical basis for that determination.

If this work falls under another agency’s jurisdiction, please identify the responsible agency and forward the request as appropriate.

1. Public Health Surveillance and Exposure Registry

Please identify the agency responsible for tracking potential health effects associated with this incident.

I request information about any existing or planned exposure registry, symptom-reporting system, or public health surveillance program, including how residents who experienced symptoms without seeking emergency treatment can report their experiences.

Please clarify how reported symptoms, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, exposure locations, and potential longer-term health effects will be evaluated and communicated to the public.

If no registry or surveillance program is planned, please explain what alternative mechanisms will be used to monitor potential health effects and whether a formal registry will be considered.

1. Records, Outstanding Analyses, and Public Reporting
   Please provide links to all currently available records and identify any outstanding sampling, laboratory analyses, investigations, or environmental assessments.

For records not yet finalized, please provide the expected completion dates and explain how the results will be made publicly available.
If any requested records are maintained by another agency or contractor, please identify the record holder and the appropriate process for obtaining them.

To the extent any portion of this request is being treated as a formal public-records request, please process it under the applicable records-access procedures and provide the records electronically where possible. If any material is withheld, please identify the basis for withholding it and release any reasonably segregable portions.

Residents should be able to understand what was released, what was measured, what remains unknown, and what evidence supported the decisions that affected their homes, health, and ability to remain in their community.

Thank you for your attention to these requests. I would appreciate written acknowledgment and a response identifying the appropriate contacts for each category of information.

Sincerely,
A Concerned Toledo-Area Resident

I have a beautiful betta fish in a 8 gallon tank who has been happily living on my dechlorinated sink water at my office since April.

On Friday I fed him, and topped off his tank (first time since the spill) and I come in this morning and he’s gasping for breath and limp.

Any other fish keepers in the area having sudden problems?

I checked his water for an ammonia spike and everything is 0 but nitrates which are like 5ppm

:( I’m really sad and hope I can save him.

Hey! Me and my band Ess and Friends are playing a cool costume gig at Third Street Cigar this Friday with support from The Cowboy Killers band. If you’re still looking for halloween plans and like good drinks and smokes, you might have an amazing time!

Third Street Cigar 7-10PM Friday October 30th

Hey Toledo, I want to flag a serious gap in our local public health data that puts high-risk neighbors, parents, and workers in Northwest Ohio at risk.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has completely centralized its respiratory dashboard into an interactive mess that is incredibly difficult to use, poorly organized, and practically useless for daily life.

Instead of showing real-time, localized trends, the dashboard focuses almost entirely on cumulative hospitalizations. By the time someone is sick enough to be hospitalized, the virus has already been spreading silently through Lucas and Wood Counties for weeks. Hospital admissions are a lagging indicator—they tell us where the virus was a month ago, giving us little to no actual warning to protect ourselves today.

Living right here on the border makes this look even more absurd. The state of Michigan openly publishes the "Michigan Flu Focus" every single week, giving residents in Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties concise, real-time percentages for outpatient doctor visits, emergency room illness trends, and clinical lab test positivity. Ohio completely hides these early-warning metrics.

While the CDC shows a single, flat "statewide average" for Ohio, diseases don’t spread evenly. Columbus or Cincinnati could be having a massive outbreak while Toledo is quiet, or vice versa, but a flat statewide number completely erases our regional reality.

I am a local resident with severe asthma and a history of flu hospitalizations. I use data to know when to tighten my precautions and wear an N95 mask so I can protect my health and stay at work. Right now, Ohio's risk-averse bureaucracy is leaving us completely in the dark.

One person screaming won’t change this, but a surge of phone calls will.

If you want taxpayer-funded transparency and a proper community warning system back, please take 60 seconds tomorrow to call or message our local state representatives. They need to hear from Toledo area residents:

• Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff (ODH Director): (614) 466-7217
• State Rep. Elgin Rogers Jr. (District 44 / Toledo area): (614) 466-1401
• State Sen. Theresa Gavarone (District 2 Toledo area): (614) 466-8060

What to say:
"My name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent in ZIP [Your ZIP]. I am calling to demand that the Ohio Department of Health restore its weekly regional public health reporting for Northwest Ohio. The current dashboard is difficult to navigate and only shows cumulative hospitalizations, which are a lagging indicator that gives us zero real-time warning. Hiding regional test positivity and outpatient illness data leaves vulnerable citizens blind. We deserve the same transparency that Michigan gives its residents."

Please share this with anyone you know locally who has kids, is immunocompromised, or cares about government accountability!

Hey there! I could really use an angel's blessing. Everywhere I go management abuses me until I have to quit. Do any local employers support trans people?

Im bad at physical labor. Im a tattoo artist with a Master's degree in Spanish, and 2 years' experience as a mental health case manager if you know of anything that fits the bill.

Thanks loves! 🩵🩷🤍

Why are we still smelling chemicals FOUR days later? Why won't they answer us when we ask how our water supply has been affected? We cannot allow them to sweep this under the rug! We DESERVE REAL ANSWERS AND REAL ACTION.

Fallout fans gathered for a night celebrating Fallout Day at Toledo Spirits, Co hosted by Power Armor Festival. The gathering was made that much more amazing by a surprise guest appearance of Fallout New Vegas Developer Robert Lee, known best as the Creator of Fisto.

Fans competed in Trivia and Faction Wars, with the NCR winning. Here are photos from the night.

See you next year at Fallout Night in Toledo!

Hello,

I am currently in Ottawa Lake, MI, and I have had 2 stray cats appear on my property in the last week. One showed up a few days ago and her sister came out of the ditch this evening. I cannot take care of them, I have 4 medically dependent cats already. The kittens that showed up are between 5-6 months old extremely friendly, I have a suspicion they were abandoned near my house by means of getting thrown from a vehicle into the ditch.

I have called Toledo and Monroe Humane Society, they are both at capacity. I’m really at a loss for what to do here and my heart is breaking for these cats. Does anyone have any info on where I can take them? Please let me know, thank you in advance.

I don't know what it is about a good breakfast sandwich, but I love them. Give me your favorites so I can try some new ones! Bonus points if you can tell me if they're available outside of traditional breakfast hours!

• On Monday, government officials held a press conference announcing a $65 million project to replace the Wheeling & Lake Erie swing bridge, formerly known as the Toledo Belt Bridge, which will allow heavier loads of freight carried by rail to cross the Maumee River. Construction is expected to begin in 2029 and finish in 2030.

• Also on Monday, the Ohio Controlling Board approved a $2.9 million grant to LevelHeads, Inc. for the design and construction of a new facility for the Northwest Ohio Behavioral Healthcare (formerly Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital), one of six state-owned and operated regional psychiatric hospitals, at 930 S. Detroit Ave.

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council held a first reading of a resolution asking the Mayor to terminate its contract with Flock and remove all Flock cameras in the city. An attempt to hold an immediate vote failed to meet the 9-vote threshold to pass, with Martinez, McPherson, Morris, Sarantou, and Williams voting against. The measure is now set for a second reading at the next meeting of Toledo City Council taking place on Wednesday, November 4.

• Also on Tuesday, an employee mistake led to a 5,500 gallon tank of glycidyl methacrylate venting into the air from the MC Tank Transport terminal (1266 Progress Ave.) Residents within a mile of the site were evacuated while residents within a three mile radius were asked to shelter in place through Friday around noon. For more confirmed details about the situation and important safety notices, visit https://toledo.oh.gov/news/2026/10/22/hazmat-evacuation-in-north-toledo

• On Thursday, city officials held a ceremony celebrating the completion of a $1.2 million stream restoration project at Bandore Park. Approximately 1,000 feet of Hill Ditch was restored through realignment and reconnection with the flood plain, adding native plants and wetlands to capture runoff and protecting the habitat.

• Also on Thursday, University of Toledo President James Holloway held his first State of the University address. During the speech, he stated goals of increasing enrollment to 16,000 students by 2031, increasing research expenditures from $76 million to $100 million, increasing interdisciplinary research, and growing the university’s academic health system.

• In further Thursday news, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to unveil the Station Sports Bar at 28 N. Erie St. in the Huron Yards development. The bar is owned by Mike Stancati, who also owns Hannon’s Block Restaurant.

• Toledo-area defense attorney Phillip Carlisle was arraigned Thursday on two felony counts of obstructing official business for allegedly smuggling contraband into the Lucas County Jail on two separate occasions earlier this year.

• On Friday, Block Communications filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice indicating that 116 employees of the Toledo Blade would be permanently laid off with the 190-year-old paper ceasing publication December 31. The company is actively seeking a buyer for the paper in order to avoid closure.

• Also on Friday, a spokesperson for U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur’s office stated that a package containing a suspicious substance meant for the congresswoman had been intercepted at a local post office. At least two other Democratic members of congress (Joyce Beatty and Shontel Brown) have been sent similar packages recently.

• In further Friday news, a CSX Transportation container train carrying 4,000 gallons of diesel derailed in North Toledo. No leaks or injuries are reported.

• The Lucas County Juvenile Court has created an online portal called CaseLook that allows families to access case records for details like hearing dates online. To register for access, visit https://www.co.lucas.oh.us/204/Juvenile-Court

• The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has provided University of Toledo professor Dr. Mark Wooten with a five-year, $3.7-million grant to develop a vaccine for Lyme disease. No vaccine for the disease currently exists in the United States.

• Libertarian Party candidate for Ohio House District 43 Zach Hall has suspended his campaign after old videos surfaced online of Hall abusing an animal. Hall, who was running against incumbent Democrat Dr. Michele Grim and Republican challenger David Karmol, also resigned from his party’s executive and central committees.

• Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Lisa McGowan, a Republican who currently oversees the domestic relations court and is on the ballot for re-election this year, received a cease and desist order from several area labor unions over campaign literature claiming outdated or nonexistent union endorsements. Many have instead endorsed her challenger, Democrat Nedal Adya, this cycle. Social media posts by McGowan’s campaign claiming the endorsements have since been removed.

• Early voting for the November general election began. For information about candidates on the ballot, visit https://toledofreepress.com/toledo-free-press-voters-guide-2026-general-election/

• This Saturday (October 24) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Toledo Repair Café will host a free repair clinic at the Heatherdowns Branch Library (3265 Glanzman Rd.). Anyone can bring in items for repair at no cost, including appliances, bicycles, clothing, computers, jewelry, and lamps.

• Also this Saturday (October 24) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lucas County Canine Care & Control (LC4) will host a “trunk or treat” event at their building at 1301 Monroe Street. Forty dogs that have been vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed or neutered will be available for adoption.

• Also this Saturday (October 24) from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Huron Street between Monroe and Washington Streets will be closed for a “Zombie Crawl” involving major bars in the Warehouse District. For more information, visit https://district419.com/crawl

• This Sunday (October 25) at 3 p.m., the Toledo Area Tenants Union is holding a rally in support of the residents of Saxon House Apartments who have endured slum conditions and unresponsive owners. Members of the public are invited to attend the rally outside the apartments (1647 S. Cove Blvd.) to support the residents.

• You can receive This Week in Toledo via e-mail by subscribing at https://toledo.substack.com/subscribe. You can also receive updates on Facebook by liking the official page at https://www.facebook.com/thisweekintoledo.

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, Toledo Free Press

I have a guitar with stainless steel frets and several of them are too high, and knowing how hard it is to work with stainless steel, I'd like to see if there is a shop that could do the work for me.

Does anyone know any luthiers that work on guitars in or around Toledo?

When I was living in the SW, we had these little markets that are like Monettes or House of Meats but had Mexican food instead. Is there anything like that here in Toledo?

If not, whats the best place to get things like barbacoa, birria, carnitas, etc.?

My daughter is at UT law school and needs a haircut/style. She isn't familiar with any salons in the area. Please help! Thank you!! :)

Ohio $0 gas tax. Michigan tax $.524 a gallon.

Price off 23 at exit 5 in MI $4.49

Gas in Toledo &4.39.

Hello Toledo reading community!

You Dreamed of Books recently opened inside of Plate 21 coffee shop at 3664 Rugby Dr. in South Toledo.

We have ~700 new and used books, offering both fiction and nonfiction. Our selection features classics, contemporary, and translated fiction with a focus on works from independent publishers. For nonfiction we have growing selections of nature, social science, essay and creativity, history, and philosophy.

The bookstore is integrated into the coffee shop, so you can browse books and purchase directly with your coffee at the main register.

We hope to be a welcomed addition to the Toledo reading community and would love for you to stop by for a browse next time you are looking for a new book!

For more info check out our website at: www.youdreamedofbooks.com

Hey everyone. I apologize if these types of questions get asked on the sub constantly , I’m sure it gets annoying but I’m looking for as much insight as I can get .

I’m born and raised about an hour outside of Toronto so not terribly far or anything but I have the option to attend UToledo’s law school on practically a full ride scholarship. I know practically nothing about Toledo , and when attempting to do some research on what I may be getting myself into, I see an overwhelming consensus of negativity toward the city.

I was hoping someone would be able to give me some of their favorite and least favorite things about the city. Keep it as real as it gets. I’m 23 and have no experience living far from my home city so even though geographically I’m not terribly far, this is quite a big move for me. I’m under the impression the schools reputation is nothing special, but I’m very debt averse so this is a very tempting opportunity.

Thanks so much

For a limited time only, Fallout fans can stop by Toledo Spirits Co and snag a shot with this classic Nuka Cola Truck! This is the first time the Nuka Cola truck has come to Toledo, and fans can take advantage of this to grab a quick photo with it! While there, stop in for themed drinks, cosplay, and trivia!

Cosplay is welcome!

FREE trivia ticket to reserve a spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vault-1301-fallout-trivia-faction-night-tickets-2002768503507
Date: Oct 24th, 2026
Time: 5pm to 10pm, Fallout Trivia begins at 7pm
Where: Toledo Spirits Co, 1301 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43604

I moved from out of state and have been having a heck of a time finding highly rated doctors who are accepting new patients.

I would prefer private practice, too, but everyone seems to be with ProMedica?

I just want to find a PCP who will listen to some of my symptoms and has good beside manner.

Anyone have any suggestions? I have Aetna.

Edit: Thank you for the suggestions! I was able to get in with a highly rated practitioner as early as next week! I WILL do better in Toledo (I hope)!

Are the crazy traffic backups on Secor (between Monroe and Central) lately all due to the closure of Executive Parkway, or is there something else going on? It's making it very difficult to do my regular errands without getting stuck in it, so I hope it'll clear up once they finish working on Executive Pkwy. I live just a couple blocks from Executive/Central and I had no idea so much traffic used that road. I rarely see more than a couple other cars when I use Executive.

Coming up with my sister tomorrow and looking for the best places to watch freighters. (Tried Cullen park a couple months ago and didn’t have any luck :( )

I have about 8 throw blankets and 2 sets of sheets. I'm looking for homeless/animal shelters that would benefit the most from donations like this, I'd rather someone truly benefit besides just having more than they need (like myself) or places like Goodwill.

Chemical Tank Explosion Forces Toledo Evacuation

I think what's really important is the similarity to the Garden Grove, CA incident.